Sara Gustafson
Individual Blog Post #3
5-20-2020
What I found most interesting about Young’s “Final Chorus: Planet Rock” is the idea
of hip hop as a way to deliver subliminal messages. Young proclaims that hip hop
“wants to be misheard, and even unheard. It is a music of the lower frequencies,”
(Young 313). For example: “Rapper’s Delight” is mentioned as not only delivering
an entire party in 15 minutes but also symbolizing deeper elements of black culture
(Young 314). Further, Bradley and Hampton’s discussion of Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”
deliberated how hip hop is subconsciously communicative. They converse about
how the album provides insight into Beyonce’s life, but also “[recognizes] the historical
and cultural horrors of black womanhood while reclaiming the survival techniques
passed down over time,” (Bradley). I believe this provocative idea of crafting meaning
into hip hop songs will allow me to think about music more intentionally.
of hip hop as a way to deliver subliminal messages. Young proclaims that hip hop
“wants to be misheard, and even unheard. It is a music of the lower frequencies,”
(Young 313). For example: “Rapper’s Delight” is mentioned as not only delivering
an entire party in 15 minutes but also symbolizing deeper elements of black culture
(Young 314). Further, Bradley and Hampton’s discussion of Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”
deliberated how hip hop is subconsciously communicative. They converse about
how the album provides insight into Beyonce’s life, but also “[recognizes] the historical
and cultural horrors of black womanhood while reclaiming the survival techniques
passed down over time,” (Bradley). I believe this provocative idea of crafting meaning
into hip hop songs will allow me to think about music more intentionally.
Understanding hip hop as a genre replete with hidden meaning, I was inspired to
dig deeper into the music I listen to. Brockhampton’s “Fight” focuses on the plight
of black men in the U.S. and provocatively states that they are “born with a target,
and it stuck to [their] skin.” Similarly, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself”
empowers the black woman identity and claims ownership of their status as hip
hop artists. Throughout both of these songs, these artists are able to give their
audiences a glimpse into their lives and what they stand for. Hiding race politics
in these songs not only brings attention to the issues, but also empowers those
who are afflicted.
dig deeper into the music I listen to. Brockhampton’s “Fight” focuses on the plight
of black men in the U.S. and provocatively states that they are “born with a target,
and it stuck to [their] skin.” Similarly, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself”
empowers the black woman identity and claims ownership of their status as hip
hop artists. Throughout both of these songs, these artists are able to give their
audiences a glimpse into their lives and what they stand for. Hiding race politics
in these songs not only brings attention to the issues, but also empowers those
who are afflicted.
“Fight” by Brockhampton – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlZLoMB7JfE
“Feeling Myself” by Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kg9xRooTVk
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